As the saying goes, April showers bring May flowers. While this isn’t exactly true in the Valley of the Sun, the desert Southwest is in full bloom this time of year and causes many allergy sufferers to feel like they are under attack. While there isn’t much you can do when you step outdoors (outside of a healthy dose of allergy medication), inside your home there are steps that can be taken to at least reduce allergens.
1.Change Furnace Filters Monthly
A good furnace/air conditioning system filter is the first line of defense in keeping allergens (and dust in general) from circulating around your home. A dirty filter will not only blast all kinds of airborne particles throughout your home, it will also reduce the efficiency of your heating and cooling system. Invest in a pleated type filter for your heating and cooling system and change the filter monthly to ensure that clean air is recirculated in your home.
2.Dust Weekly
Dust contains pollen, dander and other allergens. More dust equates to more exposure to allergens so keep the surfaces in your home clean. Dust weekly to keep all surfaces in your home free of dust. Not only will it help your allergies, it will make you feel better about your living space as well.
3.Vacuum & Mop Weekly
Carpets are a magnet for small particles – including those that cause allergies. Be sure you are vacuuming your carpets weekly with a vacuum that has a good filtration system (to avoid putting allergens back into the air).
Vacuum and damp mop hard surface floors weekly as well.
4.Deep Clean Carpets Annually
Vacuuming can only go so far in cleaning carpets. Just like clothes need to be laundered, so does your carpet from time to time. Carpets with moderate use should be cleaned using a hot water extraction method once a year. Carpets with heavy use, children or pets should be deep cleaned every six months.
5.Keep Windows Closed
While it can be nice to have an outdoor breeze drifting through your home, with the breeze comes pollen and dust from outside. Keep your windows and doors closed and use your air conditioner and ceiling fans to circulate air in your home to reduce your exposure to outdoor allergens and keep dust to a minimum.
6.Launder Bath Mats, Small Rugs & Curtains Regularly
If possible, throw bath mats and small rugs in the washing machine from time to time (be sure to check the care label to ensure that they will not be damaged).
Curtains should be professionally cleaned on a regular basis to keep them free of allergens as well.
7.Reduce Clutter
Clutter collects dust, pollen and dander and thus cause allergies. Keep clutter to a minimum to reduce the surface area in your home that dust has to collect on. It is one more reason to keep an organized home.
8.Get Rid of Indoor Plants
The leaves on indoor plants create delightful resting areas for allergens. Worse is the mold spores that grow in the soil and are released into your home. If your indoor plants bloom, they are releasing pollen into the air as well. Getting rid of indoor plants can do a lot to improve indoor air quality.
Of course, House Spouse can help to reduce allergens in your home by providing routine cleaning services and deep cleaning of your carpeted floors. Visit HouseSpouse.com for an instant quote!
